Wanaka

The beautiful resort town of Wanaka rests on the shores of Lake Wanaka, reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the Mt Aspiring National Park on its transparent waters. Wanaka enjoys hot summers, when its lake is a water lover's playground for trout fishing, yachting, kayaking, wind surfing, swimming and scenic lake cruises. In winter, it provides the ideal base for skiing at the international ski fields of Cardrona, Treble Cone and the Waiorau Nordic ski region. In spring, there are an abundance of wildflowers and blossom to punctuate the scenic landscape.

There are many places of interest within the town. It is home to the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum, with a collection of World War II fighter Planes. There are joy rides available in fighter planes as well as a Tiger Moth and helicopter. The Wanaka Transport Museum has everything from a bicycle to an army tank, and have fun getting lost in the mazes at Puzzling World, before a tour for the boutique, Wanaka Beerworks.

Mt Aspiring National Park is the third largest national park in New Zealand. It ranges from dense rainforests of Fiordland, to river valleys, alpine meadows, glacier and the 3,027 metre Mt Aspiring itself. The park belongs to the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area and is a spectacular landscape for walking, mountaineering and climbing.

Special Events
January
Summerdaze
Wanaka Teddy Bears' Picnic
April
Festival of Colour
May
Wanaka Skyline Challenge